Faith: The Jovian Gate Chronicles, #1

By Ron Vitale

What do you do when your mother is dying from a mysterious illness? If you're Cinderella's daughter, you travel hundreds of years into the future to save her.

A brand new series loosely tied to the Cinderella's Secret Witch Diaries series, Faith is an imaginative romp filled with excitement, twists and surprises that will take you on a wild ride from Earth all the way through the Jovian Gate to the distant star 55 Cancri.

Phoebe, Cinderella's daughter and a powerful witch like her mother, searches for a cure for her mother's mysterious illness. A rare Chronicler able to travel through time, Phoebe left the 19th century only to become trapped far in the future. A future in which humankind has not only traveled to distant stars by discovering the Jovian Gate, but created the powerful grid that interconnects every part of people's lives. Desperately trying to find a way to save her mother and return home, she has become embroiled in a conflict between the peaceful Cancrian race and the warrior-like Lan'khamires. Out of her element and time, Phoebe stumbles upon an interstellar conspiracy that threatens not only her life and those around her, but of the entire human race.

Will she be able to outwit those who chase after her and return back home to save her mother? The clock is ticking, but in more ways than she knows...

Faith is the first book in The Jovian Gate Chronicles series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ron Vitale
• Release date: Jan 4, 2019
• ISBN: 9781540166159

Ron Vitale

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ron Vitale was influenced by the likes of J. R. R. Tolkien, Stephenie Meyer and French culture, but has never forgotten his roots, and is a lover of classic literature. During his early 20s, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and French and then went on to obtain his Master of Arts in English, at Villanova University writing his thesis on a Jungian interpretation of the works of Margaret Atwood and Alice Walker. After graduation, Ron entered the world of medical publishing, utilizing his editing and technological skills. In October 2007, Ron published his science fiction short story collection The Jovian Gate Chronicles that answers the question: What happens when humans cross paths with intelligent aliens who claim to be prophets from God? In the fall of 2008, he released his fantasy novel Dorothea's Song, a tale of a young high school student who copes with his parents' divorcing by dreaming up the story of Dorothea, an elf who lives in the magical forest. Through 2008 to 2014 he wrote the Cinderella's Secret Witch Diaries series that definitely answers the question: What really happened to Cinderella after she married the prince? And in 2015, Ron wrote Awakenings and Betrayals, the first two books in the Witch's Coven series that tells the story of the witch Sabrina who lives in the magical world of the realms where illusions, magic and an ancient evil reign. Currently, he is keeping himself busy, penning articles on social media and writing, and on learning how to be a good father to his kids all while working on his next novel.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Jacob glanced down at his left foot and cursed. He peeled away the wrap and exposed his bruised ankle. Blood had pooled in the soft, fleshy part by his heel. A red line in his skin marked the spot where the temporary semi-cast bit into his skin. Slightly swollen, his foot looked like a piece of overcooked ham. He touched his foot and could still feel it, which he thought a good sign, and then wiggled his toes.

He heard movement behind him and placed his hand on his gun.

Here’s that bucket of ice water that you wanted. An old man dropped the container next to Jacob and some water splashed out. I’ve got some kits here that would heal your foot up tout suite.

No thanks. Jacob lifted his foot with care and then slowly lowered it into the container. The shock from the icy water shot up his leg, but felt good on his swollen foot. I appreciate your offer, but I don’t believe in any of those kits.

Are you one of those neo-Luddites or whatever they’re calling themselves these days?

Maurice, how long have you known me?

Long enough to know that you still don’t get my jokes or know when I’m kidding around. Maurice scratched his butt and then sat on a chair next to Jacob. But I got to ask you something.

Jacob stared down at the ice in the container and concentrated on ignoring the cold. Ask away.

I’ve helped you in a pinch many times over the years, but this is the first time that you’ve asked me for a Faraday room. Dropping out of contact for a bit and not being able to be tracked probably means you’re in some serious shit. I can get you connected with people who can help you disappear. Maurice waited for Jacob to respond and then said, I’m worried about you.

Jacob took his foot out of the icy water and said, I might take you up on that one day soon, but not now. I’m a little banged up, but I’ll be okay. I just need to check out for a bit.

I’ll keep the offer open for whenever you need it. You helped me when I first came off ship, and I’ll never forget that. You’re from good people, and that means something to me. Maurice patted Jacob on the back. You need anything else before I head out for the night?

Yes, I do. Jacob reached inside his weathered coat and pulled a piece of paper out and handed it to his friend.

Maurice took it in awe. Where the hell did you get this low tech? He stared at the picture of young woman. Furtive glance, shoulder-length brown mousy hair with a pretty face. Last time I saw something like this was in a museum.

I need you to look for her through your connections. Off the grid. I don’t want to be tracked back.

I’ll use my back channels to start looking for her and keep it offline. What did she do? He handed the photo back.

Jacob put his foot back into the icy water and shivered. Nothing that I’m aware of, but she’s attracted some powerful friends, and I need to find her.

She get mixed up in the wrong crowd and now her parents want her back?

Something like that. It’s a bit complicated.

Complication avoidance is my specialty. Anything I need to be aware of before I start asking around?

She was last seen with some Lan’khamire. He turned to Maurice to watch his reaction.

Jacob, that’s some serious shit she’s involved in. No one messes with the Kindred.

I know. That’s why I said it’s a bit complicated.

And you’re out here, using decades old technology, hiding away in this Faraday room with me. Now it’s all coming together. If the Lan’khamire tracked you back here, we’ll both be dead by morning. You understand that, right?

I do. I wouldn’t have come back here unless I had nowhere else to go. Jacob winced and then glanced down to reposition his foot in the water.

Here, let me see that. Maurice knelt in front of the container, and with care, lifted Jacob’s foot out of the water. Swollen and discolored, Maurice probed at different parts of the foot with his thumbs. Touching the sides of the foot, he massaged it and asked, Does any of that hurt?

Nah. It’s the back of the ankle. Jacob bent over and measured the spot that hurt with his thumb and index finger. It hurts here.

Maurice shook his head and grunted. Let me see. He glided his thumbs down the back of Jacob’s left leg from the calf muscle and worked his way down to the heel.

Jacob flinched. There. Yep, hurts right there. You think it’s my Achilles’?

I don’t know, but we’re going to find out. Maurice placed Jacob’s foot back down on the ground with care.

I told you that I don’t want any help.

Maurice pulled himself up to his full height. In his prime, he was an attractive man, but now with his hair long and white, and his thin and scraggly look, he was a shell of the man he once was. You’re more stubborn than a Zebrule! Get up now. I told you that I would help you, and I’m not gonna use any tech on you. I might be old, but I’m not deaf, and I still know a thing or two. Come on.

He lifted Jacob out of the chair and led him into the next room. Careful not to put his injured leg on the ground, Jacob hopped and leaned on Maurice. The lights flickered on, and Maurice led Jacob toward an examination table. The equipment appeared old, but in good condition. Plastic shelves were filled with boxes of medical supplies. Welcome to my urgent care facility. He helped Jacob onto the table and dangled his feet off the edge. Get on your belly. I’m going to check to see if you ruptured your Achilles.

Jacob obeyed and shimmied to the center of the narrow table and turned himself onto his stomach. He tried not to rip the paper cloth covering, but failed. I never knew that you had a full-service facility.

What, you think that I have a Faraday room just for politicians to fall off the map for a few hours so they can have their side trysts? I’ve a full medical facility here and can perform most surgeries both on and offline. He rolled up Jacob’s left pant leg and then did the same with the right. You’re not the first person who has needed help and wanted to hide away for a bit. It’s actually a lucrative side business for me. Keeps me off the streets at nights and weekends.

You’re crazy, you know that? Jacob smiled and folded his arms in front of him and rested his head there. He looked around the room and saw posters of the human muscular system with separate charts for the foot, knee, and chest.

Okay, I’m going to test your good leg first. He massaged and pushed together the top calf muscle and watched Jacob’s right foot move slightly. Good, good. Maurice moved to the left leg and positioned his fingers above Jacob’s calf. Does that hurt?

Nope.

He moved his hands down farther and squeezed the muscle together as he did for the right leg and saw no movement in Jacob’s left foot. Anything hurt when I do that?

Feels tender, but it doesn’t hurt, Jacob replied.

Well, I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first? Maurice placed Jacob’s leg back on the table and his swollen foot hung off the table like a piece of discolored meat.

Give me the bad news first.

I can’t be for sure, but I think you’ve torn your Achilles. If you let me do some tests, I can know for sure. Maurice saw that Jacob wanted to speak, but he continued. With two kits, I can have this fixed up for you fast, and you’ll be walking again in about a week.

Jacob interrupted and said, Can’t do kits or tech. Neither are an option.

You understand that I want to help you, right? I’m not here to hurt you. Do you not trust me? Maurice sat down on a stool and wheeled closer to his friend.

It’s not that. Jacob reached over with his arm and squeezed Maurice’s hand. I have to do this clean and clear. I can’t chance being tracked. Too much is at stake.

Maurice kept quiet for a moment. You’re in deeper than I thought. You’re not worried about anyone here in Tycho city, are you?

Jacob kept silent and shook his head.

I understand. Maurice ran his hands through his long white hair. Okay, I got an idea. You’re not going to like it, but it’s the best that I’ll be able to do for you without using kits. He sprang up off the stool and went over to the shelves and rummaged through several of the containers. Here we go. I haven’t used this in a few years, but it’ll do the job nicely. Old school and no tech, just like you want.

What is it? Jacob pulled himself up off the medical table and swung his legs over the side to sit up. The throbbing in his left ankle bothered him, but he took a breath to focus and allowed the pain to wash through him.

It’s plaster. I’m going to set you up in a nice cast. You’ll need to wear it for six to eight weeks and need extensive rehabilitation once you try to walk back down on Earthside, but it’ll get you where you need to be. I’ll put you in the cast and then give you a medical boot to stabilize it. That’s the best I can do.

Jacob turned his foot over and lifted it up to deal with the pain. Do it. I need to be out of here soon in case they come after me. I don’t want you mixed up in any of this.

It’s too late for that, Jacob. Way too late for that. A deep voice, almost monstrous-like, spoke from the doorway.

Jacob reached for his gun and turned around to see who spoke. Over seven feet tall, gaunt, and dressed all in white, the Lan’khamire’s face had a tan complexion with skin stretched taut, resembling a desiccated mummy. He had long limbs, and his fingers, longer than a human’s, were curled around a pulse weapon. He aimed as Jacob dove off the medical table and fired. A screaming-hot white bolt sizzled through the air and missed but exploded into the shelves on the far side of the room. Jacob fired back, but his two shots went wide into the wall.

Maurice dove down and reached for a control stick in his pocket. He pressed the red button on the stick and the red emergency lights went on and the alarm sounded. The loud noise and flashing light distracted the Lan’khamire for a moment. Long enough for Jacob to take cover behind the medical table and take aim. He fired a shot off, but was too late. The Lan’khamire rushed forward with a burst of speed and threw over the table.

Come here, now. The Lan’khamire’s voice echoed loud in the room, and his commanding voice froze Jacob. Lower your weapon and attend me.

Jacob’s mind resisted, but his body complied. He dropped his gun and knelt on the ground, turning his neck to the Lan’khamire. The alien’s emaciated face was almost too perfect with high cheekbones yet hid a mouth filled with rows of sharp pointy teeth. Jacob knew what would come next, but still he could not resist.

The Lan’khamire smirked and then bared its teeth and bent down to embrace Jacob. He would feed on him, but not too much. Oblivious to Maurice, he rolled back his eyes and prepared to feast.

Maurice grabbed a glass jar filled with liquid, unscrewed the top and then rushed up to the Lan’khamire. Hey, buddy, I got something for you.

The Lan’khamire turned, and on contact, the liquid burned into his skin. Grabbing at his face, the Lan’khamire turned away and lost his concentration. Jacob regained control of his body, and Maurice helped him stumble out of the medical facility. He locked the door behind him and pulled his control stick out of his pocket. Trish, authorization one, one, two c, four. Eject medical facility now.

The computer’s voice asked, Can you confirm your command?

Dammit, just eject the room now! Maurice shouted into the control stick and backed away from the door when he heard the Lan’khamire pounding against it.

Jacob grabbed at his leg and saw the door buckling under the force of the Lan’khamire’s punches. He searched around for a weapon but could not find one. Jacob pushed back against the wall and waited in fear.

The room’s lights went off and the alarms stopped. Maurice heard Jacob’s and his breathing and nothing else. The pounding had stopped.

Medical facility ejected, Trish said without emotion.

The room’s normal lights flickered back on and Jacob slumped back against the wall, exhaling slowly.

Maurice pulled himself to his feet and checked on Jacob. Now let’s get that leg of yours fixed.

What about the Lan’khamire? Jacob asked.

He’s stuck in the medical facility room somewhere on the surface of the moon. Once his friends find him, they’ll come after us. Maurice spoke again into the control stick. Trish, move the ship now. Random pattern with a twist of Beethoven thrown in.

Moving rooms now, Trish responded and sounded bored.

We’ll have a little bit of time now, but we have to get out of here fast.

That’s fine with me. I already know where I’m headed after this. Jacob accepted Maurice’s help and together they limped down the hallway.

***

Jacob touched the cast that went up to just below his kneecap on his left leg and grimaced. I’m still in pain.

Do you want the good news or the bad news? Maurice washed his hands in a sink and then dried them on a towel.

Isn’t everything bad news today? Jacob stretched his leg out and tried to get accustomed to the heavier weight.

You can’t bear any weight on your leg for at least six weeks. Maurice held up his hands when he saw Jacob start to protest. Wait, there’s more. I can’t guarantee that the cast is going to fix your rupture, and like I said earlier, you’re going to need extensive rehabilitation whenever you need to get back down to Earth, but I expect you’re not headed that way, are you?

What’s the good news? Jacob’s scowl hung heavy on his face.

Well, you’re not dead. You’re lame as a duck, and if you go full zero G you’ll have to deal with all sorts of swelling and pain, but outside of that you’ll be good. I think. Maurice gently patted Jacob’s cast. Now tell me what your plan is since you nearly got me killed.

Jacob tried to get up, but Maurice held him down. Jacob acquiesced and leaned back against the wall. I need to get off the moon and head to Mars. That should get the Lan’khamire off my trail for a bit. There’s not too many of them there. And it’ll give me a chance to regroup and figure out my next steps.

So, basically, you don’t have a plan, do you? Maurice shook his head and laughed. If you have the Lan’khamire after you, going to Mars isn’t going to stop them from coming. If he could, I bet our friend back in the medical facility would be walking across the moon’s surface now to come after us. You’re just lucky he didn’t get a taste of your blood. He’d then track you to your grave.

I know. Jacob glanced down at his leg. But I need to get out of here. The less you know, the better it’ll be for you. Trust me.

I know you’re trying to protect me, but you’re not going to get far if you don’t make some connections and get some help. You’ll wind up drained and left for dead on the surface. It happens enough and the officials turn a blind eye. Please, let me help you. Maurice went to say more but was interrupted by the computer.

Destination complete. Navigation reset values randomized and prepared for next departure. Do you wish for me to head to our next scheduled pickup? Trish asked.

No, cancel all requests. In ten minutes, take us to the South Pole-Aitken basin. Maurice glanced back at Jacob. We’ll get you off this rock, but I think you’ll need a slow ship to Mars. That’ll give you more time to heal.

Thank you. Jacob put his hands around the cast. Do you have crutches so that I can get around?

Once you’re in zero G, you’ll be fine, but you’ll need to take these each day. Maurice handed him a bottle of pills.

What is it? Jacob frowned and held them skeptically in his hand.

It’s a blood thinner. With your leg all messed up and being in zero G, you’ll need it. Maurice handed him a second bottle of pills. And take these, too. They’re pain killers. Nothing in these will put a nano in your blood. You won’t be able to be tracked by either of these. Just take the blood thinner every day and the pain blocker as needed.

I don’t know what to say. Jacob reached out and shook Maurice’s hand.

Don’t worry about it. It’s the least I can do for all you’ve done for me over the years. Maurice let go of Jacob’s hand and smiled. I just hope that girl you’re chasing after is worth it.

Trust me, she is. Jacob took out the photo he had and stared at it.

Well, that’s good. Let me go get you a knee crutch so that you can at least hobble around. I know I have one lying around somewhere. Trish, can you locate a knee crutch for me?"

The computer was silent for a few seconds. Storage room B. I’ll have one of the mech droids bring it to you.

Jacob shook his head. No bots. I don’t want them to see me.

Maurice nodded. Trish, no need to do that. I’ll go pick it up as it’s only around the corner from here. He turned to Jacob. You do know that Trish is recording everything we’ve seen and done, right?

But I also know that you regularly wipe her memory and expect you’ll do the same as soon as you get me out of here. You’ll not want that run in with the Lan’khamire to be saved anywhere.

You know me well. Maurice smiled. I planned on ditching the entire ship and starting fresh. Can’t be too careful with something like this.

That’s what I thought. And I’d do the same thing if I were you. Trust me, you want no records left. None. Jacob balanced on one foot and hopped over to the nearest counter and practiced moving.

I foresee an unfortunate accident that takes place with this ship. That’s what you get when you use old equipment. It can fail at any time. Maurice walked out of the room and turned back. I’m just getting you your knee crutch. I’ll be right back.

Doesn’t look like I’m going anywhere anytime soon. Jacob balanced on his good leg and put his hands up in the air.

Why don’t you get some rest in the meantime? Put your leg up and look out a port window. It’s going to take some time to dock and for me to get refueled.

Jacob glanced at the door and shook his head. I keep thinking the Lan’khamire’s going to burst through any minute and come kill us.

Maurice opened the door and stared down the hallway and saw no one. That’s your adrenaline speaking. It keeps you on edge and alive. If you try to stay that way all the time, you’ll burn yourself out and crash hard. Trust me, get some rest. I’ll let you know if there are any issues that come up. Maurice headed out of the room into the corridor and stopped to turn around with a smile on his face. Plus, you’d only be holding me up with that leg of yours.

Funny. Jacob hopped over to the bed and climbed onto it with care. He pushed the instrument panel and the bottom of the bed elevated. Within a few seconds, he could feel a decrease in swelling in his foot as fluids flowed back out up through his leg. The lighter gravity made life a bit easier for him with his injury, but he expected that if he did have to travel back to Earth that the transition to full gravity would be difficult.

Jacob leaned back in bed and said, Trish, can you make the port window translucent?

Certainly. Her voice appeared to come from all around and sounded as though he had surprised her. Maybe she had been working on something else and he had interrupted her.

In seconds, the port window cleared and he could not see much. Shut off lights in the room, please.

Trish complied, and after a bit his eyes adapted to the low light. He could see the stars in the sky, but the moon’s surface was black. With no sun, he could not see much.

Thoughts swirled through his head and each time he closed his eyes he could see the Lan’khamire lunging for him, trying to grab him and pull him down into a sea of darkness. Jacob jolted awake and saw that no one stood in the room. He was alone, injured but safe. He shook his head to clear his mind and then thought of her. He saw her smile and that way she played with her hair when distracted. Remembering her calmed, him and he allowed himself a moment of peace and rest. Where she had gone to, he could only guess, but he would not give up searching for her. He could not. Fighting to keep his eyes open as long as he could, he closed them for a few seconds and then drifted off into a deep sleep.

Chapter 2

Phoebe opened her eyes and took a deep breath. She rubbed her hands together and tried to stay warm. The heavy snow came down endlessly, covering the ground and even the graffiti on the walls. The whiteness blanketed everything outside and made it look pristine. From so high up, she could only see the bright lights from the signs across the street. For a moment, thoughts of her home overwhelmed her. The large expanse of prairie stretched out far into the horizon, but none of that existed now. Only the dark city filled with the thick stench of too many people crammed together.

She heard a moan from the next room and shivered. She would rather be outside in the snow than in that room. The moaning continued on for a few more moments and then subsided.

Hey, you getting lost again? Jazmyn nudged her, and when Phoebe didn’t respond, asked, You okay?

I’m just a little homesick. Phoebe put her face up to the window and breathed on it. The condensation covered up the window, and then she drew a tree and house.

Well, I don’t miss home. At least here, I have all that I need. Jazmyn pulled her robe around her to stay warm.

Aren’t you worried about when you turn of age? Phoebe faced her and they both glanced back to the door behind them. As if on cue, they heard more moaning. Phoebe couldn’t tell for sure, but she thought it was Trinity.

Nah, not really. I’ll be eighteen in a few weeks and know what I agreed to. What about you?

Phoebe turned away. I’m only sixteen. I’ve a long way to go yet.

You’ll be fine. Why don’t you get up and take a peek? It’ll give you a chance to see what it’s all about. Jazmyn watched Phoebe’s reaction, and when she didn’t respond she went on. No one will stop you. They actually encourage it. Come on, I’ll take you in there.

Phoebe hesitated and glanced back out the window. The lights shone brightly, but the snow’s intensity had increased. Her home seemed so far away. I’m afraid.

Jazmyn reached for her hand and squeezed it. Trust me, we’ll be fine. We’ll go in through the back door. She stood up and pulled Phoebe with her.

If I want to leave right away, do you promise that we can? Phoebe stood her ground and refused to go.

Of course. Jazmyn led the way and they walked through the kitchen. All was quiet. Chairs were put in their place, the counter tops washed clean, and not one item appeared out of place. They tiptoed past and walked through the lounge room. Three comfy sofas formed an L-shape and a low blue light lit up the room. In the far corner, Jazmyn headed toward a doorway and led them into a one of the bedrooms, farthest from the front door, hidden off in the back recesses of the living area.

Near dark and much colder than the rest of the living quarters, they entered the inner sanctuary and Jazmyn headed toward a large leather couch. A two-way mirror, the width of the entire room, was before them. Phoebe followed her friend into the room, but then stopped. She could see movement under the covers on the bed on the other side of the mirror and whispered, What if they hear us and come to ask us to join them?

As long as we’re quiet, we’ll be fine. You know that they can’t touch you until you’re eighteen. Plus, I’ve been in here a few times and never had a problem. Jazmyn plopped herself down on the comfy couch and covered herself in a large cotton blanket.

But I never really understood how they’ll know when I turn eighteen. Phoebe allowed herself to be pulled down onto the sofa, and Jazmyn shared her blanket with her.

They just do. Jazmyn settled back and together they watched the movement on the bed.

Phoebe was now certain that it was Trinity by the sound of her voice. She waited for her eyes to adjust to the low light and shivered from the cold. Trinity threw off the covers and rested her head back on the pillows. She was alone. She had her hands between her legs and gently brushed her hands over the hair to the sides of her labia. She wore a blindfold, bright orange ear plugs, and nothing else. Her pale skin shone in the ultraviolet light that lit the room. Each time Trinity touched herself, she smiled slightly and her teeth glowed a brilliant white.

Tapping her pelvic area with a small vibrator she wore on her index finger, Trinity squirmed and clenched her teeth, taking a deep breath. Phoebe was about to speak when she noticed movement from the wall behind the bed.

She tensed her muscles and watched as a Lan’khamire climbed down from the ceiling head first. Fully clothed with skin tight garments, the Lan’khamire crawled, like a spider, down the wall and stopped halfway. He stretched his long fingers out and ran them through Trinity’s hair. His pale skin shone in the ultraviolet light and he smiled at her. His humanoid face lacked any facial hair or eyebrows, but his teeth, curved and resembling row upon row of a shark’s, glowed in the eerie light. Trinity shifted and moaned again, settling back into the bed. At her movement, the Lan’khamire reared back on his gangly legs, still attached to the wall, and Phoebe caught some sort of tattoo on the back of his bald head.

He crawled down a bit more and then ran his fingers down the inside of her arms. He stroked her, but his lower body remained attached to the wall. He then nuzzled his face on her stomach and made a soft purring sound. Trinity giggled and turned toward the couch, but the blindfold remained on and the earplugs lit up, fully activated.

Phoebe squeezed Jazmyn’s hand and held her breath. She had heard other girls tell what happened, but hearing and seeing were two different things. The Lan’khamire kissed Trinity’s arms and then stretched his torso fully off the wall so that all but the lower part of his legs were attached. He continued to kiss her and massaged her feet until the tickling sensation caused Trinity to pull them away.

He then waited and growled, low and animalistic, tapping Trinity’s belly twice with two outstretched fingers, and Phoebe pulled away from the two-way mirror.

Trinity nodded and replied, Yes, I’m ready. She spread her legs apart and relaxed.

Faster than Phoebe expected, the Lan’khamire pulled himself back up the wall and put his lips on her neck. With his one hand he held the side of her head, and the other, he used for support on the bed. He took a deep breath and then placed his mouth on her neck and he fastened on her.

Phoebe could not look away. She heard him slurping and saw him pull up and suck. He broke contact with Trinity’s neck and stretched upward, bending his body in an odd angle. He looked more like a praying mantis balanced on his hind legs on a stick than humanoid. Her blood dripped from his mouth and fell onto her belly. He growled in ecstasy and lowered his head down onto her stomach, lapping up the blood that had fallen.

When finished, he bent his body, in an impossible angle for a human, back toward her neck and fastened his mouth there. Trinity moaned louder and wrapped her arms around his head, pulling him closer.

The Lan’khamire pulled her upper body off the bed toward his mouth and rested two long fingers on the side of his neck, matching the same spot he sucked on Trinity. Phoebe watched as he rhythmically used his legs that stuck him to the wall to pull Trinity’s body toward him, lifting her up off the bed as he sucked, and then he gently let her back down to the bed. Trinity matched the motion using her legs to push herself up and then fall back down.

He continued to suck on her and rubbed his own neck in a frantic and compulsive manner, lost in the moment. He increased the speed of his sucking and rubbed harder on his neck, pressing desperately and rubbing in a circular motion. Trinity’s legs quivered and she matched his increased speed.

Faster and faster he drank of her, pulling her upward, lifting her up toward his mouth, using the suction to taste her blood that flowed into him. Phoebe turned toward Jazmyn afraid. She squeezed her friend’s hand and turned back to look at the Lan’khamire. He sucked harder and faster, pulling Trinity off the bed, then threw her down to the bed, and she tried to catch up with him but could not. Unsure of what was happening, Phoebe pulled at Jazmyn.

She kept her voice low. Is this normal?

The Lan’khamire pulled Trinity up fully off the bed, her body resembled a rag doll and he sucked hard, until his mouth broke contact with her neck with a wet pop and her body fell oddly back to the bed. He rubbed his neck with his two long fingers furiously and gargled a cry of joy as he swallowed her blood.

Phoebe watched and the ultraviolet light shone down on Trinity. She could not see her eyes but had an excellent view